If you’re ever looking for some delicious pit stops while traveling the Great Lakes, look no further. We know what a prominent role food plays in a boater’s life so we’ve taken the time to compile a list of fantastic restaurants on the Great Lakes that you’ll want to visit the next time you go exploring.
Bon appétit!
Barkers Island Inn Restaurant On Lake Superior
Barkers Island Inn Restaurant is a great option for those who need to make a quick stop and get some grub. Customers will enjoy a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as the famous Fry-day Fish Fry and award-winning ribs.
The menu caters to those who like to keep it simple and others who are a bit more daring. Customers can order a sandwich with soup or a steak burger that comes two ways: a half pound sirloin patty served on toasted bianco bun with greens, tomato and aioli or two quarter-pound sirloin patties stuffed with Wisconsin Colby cheese served plain on a toasted bianco bun. Well, that sounds absolutely delicious. Their goal is to make sure you never leave hungry. The restaurant ensures ample seating so there is plenty of room for the whole family.
One great thing about this restaurant is the marina located directly outside where you can secure your boats. This ensures boaters can stop, eat and get back on the water as soon as they would like.
Along with a restaurant, Barkers Island Inn is an option for those who want to spend the night. Customers have access to captain suites, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and a fitness center.
(www.barkersislandinn.com/superior-wi-barkers-dining-menus.php)
Bentwood Tavern On Lake Michigan
Bentwood Tavern is conveniently located off the lobby of Marina Grand Resort, a full-service waterfront resort on the New Buffalo harbor. Those who stop in the marina have access to lodging, food and a variety of things to do in the area.
They offer a wide variety of dishes on their menu that are made fresh with locally sourced ingredients. Some of these dishes are gourmet pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven, fresh sea food, Amish roasted chicken, steaks and chops. They provide craft beers, a curated wine list and creative cocktails. Customers can enjoy their meal out on a waterfront patio as well as on a rooftop bar.
One of the great things about this area is that it seems to be close to everything. With Chicago only 70 miles away, Lake Michigan within walking distance, and there being many popular spots along the south Lake Michigan shore, you can guarantee you’ll have something to do.
Bentwood Tavern is a great location and it’s a wonderful place for boaters to stay for a couple of days.
(www.bentwoodtavern.com)
Edgewater Manor On Lake Ontario
Edgewater is an award-winning restaurant best known for its fresh meats and seafood. They take pride in their ability to provide high quality dishes from locally sourced ingredients. Their extensive menu is complemented by a variety of handpicked wines from around the world.
Customers have access to various-sized private dining rooms that are both indoor and outdoor. Whether you want to have dinner for two, a group of friends or a large family, they can accommodate you.
With Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake both within a 45-minute drive, the restaurant is in a great location for customers who are interested in exploring the area. It is located right on the banks of Lake Ontario, so residents have a great view of the Golden Horseshoe.
What makes Edgewater Manor different is its architecture. It has a combination of modern-day facilities set within a Manor House reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era. Constructed in 1921, it consists of historical materials and memorabilia from all over the world for guests to enjoy.
(www.edgewaterhospitalitygroup.ca)
GOTL Brewing Company On Lake Erie
GOTL Brewing Company is exactly the kind of place you’d want to go and eat. The incredible views, live music and relaxing vibe make a great option for boaters expecting to be in the area.
What makes GOTL Brewing Co different is the outdoor bar and seating. Guests have the option to enjoy a beautiful day while having a beer and eating dinner. The restaurant is literally on the shore of Lake Erie, so you simply can’t beat the view.
The menu consists of a variety of options such as fish and chips, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, salmon and salads. Naturally, the restaurant is popular because of its beer options as well.
GOTL Brewing Company features live music every so often to provide entertainment for guests. This really makes this place stand out and provide a unique and fun experience for those visiting the area. The live music coupled with an incredible view of Lake Erie makes GOTL Brewing Co a great option.
(www.gotlbrewing.com)
Horizons Restaurant On Lake Erie
Horizons Restaurant’s glass-enclosed octagonal dining room offers year-round spectacular views of Lake Erie. In the warmer weather, enjoy al fresco dining on Horizons Restaurant patio or enjoy a glass of local wine at the Grand Fire Terrace.
The menus at Horizons change with the season to take full advantage of the freshest ingredients available. However, there are a few Signature Dishes that remain on the menu throughout the year such as Popcorn Walleye, Buffalo Chicken Soup and the Geneva Burger.
For a more casual dining experience, Horizons Lounge features its own menu with live entertainment on weekends. Enjoy a light appetizer, quick lunch or a full dinner.
Situated in the heart of Ohio Wine Country, Horizons Restaurant & Lounge showcases local, national and international wine offerings – from wine tasting trays to suggested pairings. Other specialties include a variety of craft beers and scratch cocktails.
Located at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, Horizons features special events like Vintners Dinners and Beer Tasting Dinners led by The Lodge’s Certified Wine Specialist. Each event includes multi-course dining experiences with expert paired beverages. Horizons Restaurant has a seat with your name on it.
(www.thelodgeatgeneva.com/dine/horizons-restaurant)
Lake House Restaurant On Lake Ontario
Lake House Restaurant seems to have it all: gorgeous interior, delicious food, and an incredible view of Lake Ontario. This is a great choice for those who want options in their dining experience as well as a great view.
You can guarantee you will feel relaxed. There are a wide variety of options to make sure you have exactly the experience you want. Customers have access to a fireside room, private dining room and a sunroom. The private rooms accommodate 10 to 60 people, so this is a great option for big families and company meetings.
The menu consists of European Mediterranean cuisine like gourmet thin-crust pizzas, risottos and pasta dishes. Customers also can order items such as prime rib, lamb, salmon and steaks. Lake House is open seven days a week, so boaters have this option no matter what day they’re out on the water. While the items on the menu can be pricy, this is a great choice for those who want options in their dining experience, a great view, and a place to eat seven days a week.
(www.lakehouserestaurant.com)
MATCH Eatery On Lake Huron
MATCH Eatery is in the perfect location for those who want to visit Port Huron. It is located just off Bridgeview Marina, so boaters are within walking distance of having a meal after docking.
MATCH Eatery & Public House is a modern pub offering a variety of classic dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas. MATCH has the relaxing vibe of a neighborhood pub while also having the high energy of a lively sports bar. Guests can watch the big game or have a relaxing meal with their friends.
Within walking distance of MATCH and Bridgeview Marina are Waterfront Park and Blue Water Bridge Park, so boaters have a place to eat as well as go for a walk and stretch their legs.
MATCH is a great option for sports fans, those who want to be in a livelier atmosphere, or for someone who wants to relax and enjoy a meal. Its variety of menu items and convenient location just off the Bridgeview Marina make it a great option for boaters stopping by.
(www.matchpub.com/point-edward)
Salvatore’s Trattoria e Ristorante On Lake Huron
Did somebody say Italian? Because if you’re looking for some authentic Italian cuisine, this is the place for you. Salvator’s Trattoria e Ristorante offers a traditional family-style dining experience. They’ve been established since 1992 and they’ve only picked up speed since being in business.
Located just where the St. Clair River meets Lake Huron, Salvatore’s Trattoria e Ristorante makes the perfect stop for hungry boaters. The restaurant is a true [trattoria], holding true to all the Italian traditions and ways of cooking they learned from their parents. Everything is made from scratch right there on the premises of the restaurant. Everything from the sauces, pastas (including semolina, capelli d'angeli, linguini, fettuccini, vela, ravioli, and tortellini), soups, salad dressings, breads and their famous tiramisu dessert is 100 percent authentic and will have your taste buds dancing for joy.
Salvatore’s Trattoria e Ristorante is very proud to continue the Italian family dining experience and they invite everyone to come enjoy a delicious meal with them.
(www.salvatoresinpoint.com)
Silo’s Restaurant On Lake Superior
Located in Duluth, Minn., Silo’s restaurant is a great option for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the Duluth-Superior harbor. Boaters can navigate their vessels into a convenient private harbor for lunch and dinner. Their main menu consists of a variety of options such as wood-fired burgers, steaks, sandwiches, soups and salads. Dishes are locally sourced through the restaurant’s access to land and water, so you are guaranteed the food is going to be fresh.
Silo’s is connected to the Pier B Resort Hotel, where residents have access to quality lodging, an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, boat launch, fitness center and a lakeside patio fire pit. Because of its location, this is a very popular hotel. Residents are within walking distance of the Great Lakes Aquarium, Amsoil Arena where hockey games are held, and a park where residents can enjoy a walk or participate in festivals.
Silo’s restaurant is designed for customers to de-stress in its relaxing setting. This is a great option for those who want to stop for a quick bite to eat or stay a couple of nights and take their time in the city of Duluth.
(www.pierbresort.com/food-drink/the-silos/)
Terrace Room On Lake Michigan
This is another great option for those looking to explore the New Buffalo area. Terrace Room is a waterfront Italian restaurant featuring handmade pasta, fine wines and classic cocktails. It has a beautiful and cozy interior with a fireplace as well as a year-round outdoor fire pit. Customers have the option to enjoy their meal outside on the harborside terrace overlooking the marina.
Along with a place to eat, guests have the option to stay at The Harbor Grand Hotel located right next to the restaurant. The restaurant is located in New Buffalo, so you can explore the town as well as the many popular areas down the south shore of Lake Michigan.
Terrace room is a great option for those who love Italian and a cozy vibe with the comfort of a fireplace. It’s also a wonderful option if you are looking for the convenience of having a place to stay for a night or two as well.
(www.terraceroomhg.com)
Where Did We Miss?
Do you have a favorite restaurant on the Great Lakes that should have made our list? If so we’d love to hear from you. Send an email to GLB@greatlakesboating.com and let us know all about it.
